Just a few Questions – Todd and Rod

Here are the next two in our series of answers based on a number of questions that were sent out to competitors. In this article we’ve put two of the Sunfast 3600 skippers side by side – which is how they ran the race really. First off is Todd Giraudo, who with David (Dubbo) White brought Kraken across the finish line on the afternoon of May 3rd.

How did you feel as you crossed the line?

Relieved and excited. We had a gale of 40 to 45 kts through Yureseto. So down to No4 jib only. Weather cleared and lightened and we had a following breeze with A3 spinnaker until just before the finish. Great to finish in daylight with fantastic reception by Hokko YC.

There’s been preparation – then the race. Of those which was the hardest part for you?

For any race, preparation is key and particularly for long races such as the Osaka Cup. I believe that about 80% of the outcome of the race is decided before you start. I spend a lot of time [and money] to ensure everything works, suitable sail wardrobe, provisions, and communications with as little as possible left to chance. Our preparation for this race commenced not long after our nomination some 2+ years ago. This included: 250 nm Cape Naturaliste race – lithium batteries; 1440 nm Fremantle to Bali race – watermakers, sat comms; 1700 nm delivery Fremantle to Melbourne; 440 nm Westcoaster and return delivery.

Sailing the boat is the easy part – and most rewarding.

What was the highlight of your trip?

The stop off at Southport. Got to meet the majority of the other entrants and enjoy a few hard earned rums since we were beating all the way up the east coast. Plus smelling “dirt” when about 50 nm off the coast of Japan having been at sea for +4 weeks.

What was the lowest point?

The Solomon Sea sucked. V hot and one day we only did 34 nm for the entire day and that was logged miles not course miles.

Have you learnt anything about yourself by doing this event?

It was great to “switch off” from the modern world [although not entirely as we still had race comms, emails and weather to manage]. You get to contemplate life, the universe and everything! No great revelations.

If somebody else was thinking of doing the race, what advice would you give them?

It is a great event and the camaraderie amongst fellow competitors is fantastic. Preparation is key and do not underestimate the time [and cost] involved. include for living, sleeping and sailing in very hot and humid conditions. Ideally, a boat large enough to have air conditioning. Include good sat comms for weather data. Weather data in the southern hemisphere is more accurate than the northern hemisphere. Make sure the yacht you choose is suitable for double handed sailing.

The other skipper today is Rod Smallman from Maverick. Rod and co-skipper Tyson crossed the line at 00:12:12 AEST a on May 4th, an elapsed time of 34d 20h 31m 12s (incl 85h 11m NTC5 suspended racing due to cyclone).

How did you feel as you crossed the line?

The finish for us started as we entered Osaka Bay. The sailing was glamour with flat water. There were amazing fireworks on the shore and we cracked a bottle of Champagne and reflected on what had been an incredible 4 weeks.

There’s been preparation – then the race. Of those which was the hardest part for you?

Hard to say, but the race was that much easier for the preparation.

What was the highlight of your trip?

The start and the finish and everything in between

What was the lowest point?

This race has been on my mind since 1987 and in the planning for the past 2 years. There are no low points

If somebody else was thinking of doing the race, what advice would you give them?

Absolutely; everyone should build a boat at least once in their life and everyone should do a race like this at least once in their life, it’s soul enriching.

Thanks to both Todd and Rod for their insights into their race. Both Kraken and Maverick finished as part of the large group of six boats that had traveled together for the best part of the race following the re-start. Kraken came in first in the daylight and the remainder over the following night where conditions were less than ideal for graceful arrivals. If you haven’t seen the video clips of this 16 hour period, here they are again.